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Meghalaya or the ‘abode of the clouds’ is a magical land! Abundant in lush forests, gentle hills, pristine rivers, and happy people, the state offers travel gems most people have never experienced before. Its beautiful capital, Shillong, isn’t your average hill station either! A buzzing cosmopolitan city with an aura of relaxed, old-school romance, there’s plenty to soak in when visiting this enchanting place. From pretty streets lined with coniferous trees, colourful markets, an exciting music scene, fantastic food, and a plethora of cultural diversity in its Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes – Shillong brims with beauty. As difficult as it is to tear yourself away from the city, there are several great places to visit near Shillong. Most of them are lovely, short drives from the city, and the ones further away are completely worth the trip!
Here’s a list of the best places to visit near Shillong to make your trip a memorable one!
The Umiam Lake is a sparkling human-made water body, located 16 km from the main town. The lake is fondly called ‘Badapani’ by the locals, who visit the spot for picnics, water sports, or for some quiet time away from the busy Shillong. Umiam Lake is an excellent location for sunset-chasers, especially when the evening skies transform into a canvas of orange-pink hues after heavy rains. Take a boat ride in Umiam lake and around tiny islands dotted with coniferous forests. Tourists can also try canoeing or kayaking when the waters and skies are calm.
Shillong Peak is one of the most famous tourist places near Shillong. It is a view-point at an elevation of 6449 feet with stunning panoramic views of the entire town. Shillong Peak is a short thirty-minute drive from the city through some of the most beautiful roads in the city! You will pass by towering trees that are as old as time, past charming neighborhoods and villages, and vegetable farms with the freshest produce!
Located 20 min away from Shillong Peak is the beautiful multi-tiered Elephant Falls. Elephant Falls is a marvellous sight with its cascading waters flowing rhythmically down three tiers of rocks before converging into a clear little pool at the bottom. It is a great place to visit outside Shillong for a relaxing day with the family. The waterfall was named by the British after a massive rock nearby that resembled an elephant. The stone was destroyed in an earthquake, but the name lives on till today.
The breath-taking Laitlum Canyons are a must-visit when in Shillong! This ethereal hilltop is a dreamy vantage point with picturesque views of steep gorges, winding stone steps, and green hills that disappear into the horizon. Laitlum, literally meaning ‘end of the hills’ in Khasi could fittingly be the proverbial edge of the world – where all one can see on the horizon is a paradise of green. It is one of the best places to visit near Shillong for a quiet commune with nature or yourself, over a steaming cup of sha saw (red tea). Trekkers and hikers have miles of verdant slopes and rocky paths to explore as well. As you gaze at the dramatic skies over Laitlum, you will know why Meghalaya came to be called the ‘abode of the clouds.’
The sacred grove at Mawphlang should be at the top of any list of places to visit near Shillong. The Mawplhang Sacred Forest is considered holy by the Khasi tribe in Shillong. The trees in this forest have not been cut for over a thousand years. Tourists are forbidden to take souvenirs from the forest, not even a blade of grass or a rock. The best way to enjoy the stories associated with the wood is through guided walks by the locals. This stunning natural beauty is a 50 min drive from the city.
If you’re looking for a great but short hike near Shillong, The David Scott Trail is the answer to all your prayers. It is a stunning hiking trail previously used as a horse track by David Scott, a British administrator. The David Scott Trail is 16 km and should take an average of 4 hours to complete.
If you’re hopelessly in love with the magic of the monsoons, then a trip to Cherrapunji is in order. Visit this heavenly destination even if you’re not a fan of the rains. Why you might ask? Its rolling clouds and other-worldly mist, the ferocious waterfalls, unbelievably green meadows, and legendary canyons – these are just some of the reasons. Cherrapunji is located 53 km away from Shillong. We would recommend staying overnight to make the most of one of the best places to visit near Shillong.
The legendary Double Decker Living Root Bridge is located close to Cherrapunji. It is a fascinating living and breathing structure, where the roots of trees are artfully trained by the villagers to grow as bridges. These bridges help villagers make their way across raging streams.
Located 100 km away from Shillong, the Nongkhnum River Island is an enchanting location discovered as recently as 1996. This beautiful island is formed by the bifurcation of the Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. The island is uninhabited and seems straight out of a story with sandy shores and captivating grassland surrounding it. It’s one of the most offbeat places to visit outside Shillong and perfect to escape the tourist crowds.
Drive to the picturesque village of Smit, which is 20 km from the city of Shillong. This sleepy village is an important cultural center for the Khasis and headquarters of the Khasi state of Hima Khyriem. Try and plan your visit to coincide with the Shad Nongkrem, an annual harvest thanksgiving dance that takes place every autumn in the village of Smit.
The Ever-Living Museum at Mawshbuit is around 9 km from Shillong. Visit the museum to witness a rich repository of nature, culture, tradition, and history from across the state of Meghalaya. It is owned and operated by retired Meghalaya government engineer Kyntiewbor War. The museum stands amidst a lush garden blooming with local flora. It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit near Shillong – containing rare artefacts from the interiors of the Khasi, Garo, and Jainita hills, as well as other states in the North-East.
Shillong has all the ingredients for the perfect hill station holiday! Whether you’re a culture and history enthusiast, a nature lover, a western music aficionado, or someone eternally on the traveler’s trail – Shillong is undoubtedly the best place for you to be!
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April 15, 2024 
